Replaceable Terminal Connection Structure for Power Tool Relays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection structures for relay terminals in electric power tools require multiple designs and stock different intermediate products for various client needs, making them inefficient and costly to manage.

Innovation Solution

A terminal connection structure featuring replaceable tab terminals and a base housing that allows for different connection methods without altering the base design, enabling easy adaptation to client needs and reducing the need for multiple intermediate products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different connection modes are implemented to meet different client needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and requires multiple intermediate products to be stocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection mode adaptabilityVSAvoidstarter design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The starter is divided into two independent segments: a standardized base and interchangeable terminal units. The base contains common components (housing, motor, winding) while terminal units (socket terminal, connection terminal, terminal box) can be swapped to achieve different connection modes (Y-start, Δ-start, direct online) without modifying the base design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized base is designed with universal mounting structures and terminal interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of terminal units. This allows a single base design to serve multiple connection configurations, eliminating the need for separate starter designs for different client requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple intermediate products are stocked for different clients, then adaptability is improved, but inventory management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclient-specific connection supportVSAvoidinventory management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the starter into a common base and interchangeable terminal units, the inventory system is simplified. Instead of stocking complete assembled starters for each connection type, only terminal units need to be inventoried and can be quickly swapped to meet different client requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If terminal portions extend across the housing surface, then ease of operation is improved, but occupied space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal terminal connection convenienceVSAvoidhousing surface occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal portions are arranged to extend in multiple dimensions relative to the housing surface. Some terminals extend laterally while others extend vertically, allowing external connections to be made from different directions and reducing the footprint on any single surface plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates convenient and efficient connection methods, reduces inventory needs, and enhances safety and accuracy in terminal connections while minimizing occupied space.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of springs may be disposed between the terminal portions of the pair of tab terminals, and the external terminal may be crimped to the terminal portions by a spring force of the springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2889887B1Terminal connection structure
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 OMRON CORP
  • EP2889887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2889887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2889887B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal connection structure adaptable to various connection methods is provided. The terminal connection structure includes: a pair of tab terminals 62 and 63 that are provided on a base 20 housed in a housing; and a pair of terminal portions 62c and 63c that are provided in the tab terminals 62 and 63 in parallel and that are each exposed from the housing so as to be capable of being connected to an external terminal. A terminal unit 60 disposed so as to sandwich a terminal plate 61 with the pair of tab terminals 62 and 63 is capable of replacing the base 20.